The Common Dog Training and Walking

The Common Dog Training and Walking Dog Training in the Cowichan Valley. Re establishing Balance Between Owners and their Dogs.
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Join us this weekend on Saturday at 10am in the beautiful fall weather!🍂 We are so pleased to be offering our community ...
09/10/2024

Join us this weekend on Saturday at 10am in the beautiful fall weather!

🍂 We are so pleased to be offering our community walks again!

Although these events were free of charge in the past - we will now be charging $30 per person/dog who attends the community walk. The fees will support keeping these walks going & go towards our lovely staff 💛

Please keep these rules in mind for a pleasant and safe experience for everyone:

🐾 All dogs must be on leash

🐾 Absolutely no leash greetings. This includes sniffs, playing and interacting in general.

🐾 During the exercises and the walk, please keep your dogs under control, on a short leash and in heel position.

🐾 Please keep a 4-6ft distance between you and any other dog & handler.

🐾 Please remember, most of the dogs attending are nervous, reactive or uncomfortable around dogs. Please give them space at all times.

Sign-Up through our website: https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses Drop in is welcome, but pre-registering is appreciated 🙏


Group Events and Classes! Join us on our Monthly Community Walk during the summer months.

🐾 Friendly reminder: we are closed on Monday September 2nd & can’t wait to be back on the trails on Tuesday September 3r...
09/02/2024

🐾 Friendly reminder: we are closed on Monday September 2nd & can’t wait to be back on the trails on Tuesday September 3rd!

Hope you get to soak in all the summer goodness this weekend 😎

👶 🐶 There are so many factors to take into considerations here & it depends largely on your own dog, living space, bound...
08/28/2024

👶 🐶 There are so many factors to take into considerations here & it depends largely on your own dog, living space, boundaries and support system in place, but this is some general advice I can give you:

Maintain or create clear boundaries, as you are getting settled into your new dynamics, always supervise your dog with the baby, make sure your dog has a place like a crate, that is just for them to decompress. 💗

Everyone’s schedule will likely shift and that can be tricky, but with some patience and perseverance everyone usually settles in and you’ll find a new rhythm that works for your family.

balancedtraining

🍂 Fall isn’t here quite yet, but we can tell people are planning for it! Lots of new inquiries for structured walks and ...
08/21/2024

🍂 Fall isn’t here quite yet, but we can tell people are planning for it! Lots of new inquiries for structured walks and training 🐾

If you are in interested, definitely reach out sooner than later ⏲️

✔️ Our structured dog walks emphasize leash manners, basic commands while going on great little adventures.

✔️ Our current training offerings are walk & train programs that get you and your dog on the same page for walks. We also offer day training to work on specific behaviours with your dog to help make your life together more enjoyable for both of you 🐶

Head to our bio or www.thecommondog.ca learn more and to get in touch!

Re-Starting August 20th 🐾 Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class!📅 This is a 4-week group class, the next set kicks off ...
08/09/2024

Re-Starting August 20th 🐾 Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class!

📅 This is a 4-week group class, the next set kicks off in less than two weeks! These will be Tuesday evening sessions from 6-7pm to beat the heat as we ease into fall 🍂

August 20th
August 27th
September 3rd
September 10th

🐶 In this group class setting, you’ll have the chance to:
✔️ Enhance your dog’s obedience skills.
✔️ Fine-tune obedience amidst urban distractions.
✔️ Participate in group exercises to encourage socialization and obedience.
✔️ Engage in confidence-building activities for a well-rounded pup.
✔️ Enjoy interactive games to make learning enjoyable.
✔️ Tackle urban agility challenges to navigate environments with ease.
🐕‍🦺 Join us for this unique group training experience, you will get so much value from it!

Some amazing progress was made in our previous sessions & we can’t wait to see how the next group does!

🔗 Visit https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses for more information & to secure your spot!

💛 Can we take a moment to appreciate the journey? We’re all guilty of fixating on the end goal, but what about the tiny ...
07/31/2024

💛 Can we take a moment to appreciate the journey?

We’re all guilty of fixating on the end goal, but what about the tiny triumphs?

🐾Today, let’s give credit where it’s due! Take a sec to marvel at your furry friend’s progress since day one. Notice how they’ve aced that heel position during walks or how they’re acing commands even with distractions. Each of these things used to feel impossible at one point, right?

Cheers to those wins, big and small! 🐶

If you could use some support, reach out to us at www.thecommondog.ca to explore our walk-and-train and mobile training options!

😎 Lots of happy (and hot) dogs in the past couple of weeks on! Don’t worry, we know all the shady trails with some water...
07/19/2024

😎 Lots of happy (and hot) dogs in the past couple of weeks on! Don’t worry, we know all the shady trails with some water to cool off in 💦

🐾 Our Structured Walks prioritize a calm demeanor, manners, and obedience for every dog. Your pup will join us as we hit the local trails of the Cowichan Valley.

On the trails, we fine-tune leash etiquette, master walking in a heel, and exhibit polite behavior around others. We also cover basic obedience training - covering sit stays, off-leash heel, and more.

🐕 If you are curious if this is a good fit, get in touch through our website! We’ll schedule a meet and greet and go from there 🐾


Next Walk date is just one week away: Saturday July 13th!We are so pleased to be offering our community walks again! Alt...
07/07/2024

Next Walk date is just one week away: Saturday July 13th!

We are so pleased to be offering our community walks again! Although these events were free of charge in the past - we will now be charging $30 per person/dog who attends the community walk. The fees will support keeping these walks going & go towards our lovely staff 💛

Please keep these rules in mind for a pleasant and safe experience for everyone:

🐾 All dogs must be on leash

🐾 Absolutely no leash greetings. This includes sniffs, playing and interacting in general.

🐾 During the exercises and the walk, please keep your dogs under control, on a short leash and in heel position.

🐾 Please keep a 4-6ft distance between you and any other dog & handler.

🐾 Please remember, most of the dogs attending are nervous, reactive or uncomfortable around dogs. Please give them space at all times.

Sign-Up through our website: https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses Drop in is welcome, but pre-registering is appreciated 🙏


🕶️ Don’t Miss Out on Our Summer Sessions of our Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class! 📅 This is a 4-week group class, ...
07/03/2024

🕶️ Don’t Miss Out on Our Summer Sessions of our Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class!

📅 This is a 4-week group class, the next set kicks off in two weeks! These will be Tuesday evening sessions from 6-7pm to beat the heat 🧊

July 16th
July 23rd
July 30th
August 6th

🐶 In this group class setting, you’ll have the chance to:
✔️ Enhance your dog’s obedience skills.
✔️ Fine-tune obedience amidst urban distractions.
✔️ Participate in group exercises to encourage socialization and obedience.
✔️ Engage in confidence-building activities for a well-rounded pup.
✔️ Enjoy interactive games to make learning enjoyable.
✔️ Tackle urban agility challenges to navigate environments with ease.
🐕‍🦺 Join us for this unique group training experience tailored for urban living!

Some amazing progress was made in our previous sessions & we can’t wait to see how the next group does!

🔗 Visit https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses for more information & to secure your spot!

Happy Long Weekend! We hope you have a safe, restful & fun weekend! We’ll be back on the trails on Tuesday 🐾            ...
06/30/2024

Happy Long Weekend!

We hope you have a safe, restful & fun weekend! We’ll be back on the trails on Tuesday 🐾

Next Walk date: Saturday July 13th!We are so pleased to be offering our community walks again! Although these events wer...
06/29/2024

Next Walk date: Saturday July 13th!

We are so pleased to be offering our community walks again! Although these events were free of charge in the past - we will now be charging $30 per person/dog who attends the community walk. The fees will support keeping these walks going & go towards our lovely staff 💛

Please keep these rules in mind for a pleasant and safe experience for everyone:

🐾 All dogs must be on leash

🐾 Absolutely no leash greetings. This includes sniffs, playing and interacting in general.

🐾 During the exercises and the walk, please keep your dogs under control, on a short leash and in heel position.

🐾 Please keep a 4-6ft distance between you and any other dog & handler.

🐾 Please remember, most of the dogs attending are nervous, reactive or uncomfortable around dogs. Please give them space at all times.

Sign-Up through our website: https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses Drop in is welcome, but pre-registering is appreciated 🙏


Still on the hunt for the ideal training and walking solution for you and your furry companion? Your search ends here! W...
06/20/2024

Still on the hunt for the ideal training and walking solution for you and your furry companion? Your search ends here! We believe in a practical, intentional approach to training, placing a high value on the bond between you and your pup.

Our structured walks aren’t just about getting some exercise (though that’s definitely part of the fun!). We’re all about building essential skills, setting boundaries, and ensuring a great time for everyone involved! 🐾

We serve the Cowichan Valley and surrounding area. Drop us a line via the link in our bio—we’re here to make training a rewarding experience for both you and your sweet dog! 🌟

We are so pleased to begin offering our community walks again! Head to our website & sign up on the Group Classes and Ev...
06/07/2024

We are so pleased to begin offering our community walks again! Head to our website & sign up on the Group Classes and Events section ☺️

Please keep these rules in mind for a pleasant and safe experience for everyone:

🐾 All dogs must be on leash

🐾 Absolutely no leash greetings. This includes sniffs, playing and interacting in general.

🐾 During the exercises and the walk, please keep your dogs under control, on a short leash and in heel position.

🐾 Please keep a 4-6ft distance between you and any other dog & handler.

🐾 Please remember, most of the dogs attending are nervous, reactive or uncomfortable around dogs. Please give them space at all times.

Sign-Up through our website: https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses

☺️ What a perfect piggy-back for our post celebrating 5 years in business! 🥉Thank you so much to everyone who took the t...
06/03/2024

☺️ What a perfect piggy-back for our post celebrating 5 years in business!

🥉Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote for us, we are honoured to continue to serve this awesome community 🐾

5 years ago when The Common Dog just started, I wrote out a 5 year vision for the business. I wrote about the business g...
05/28/2024

5 years ago when The Common Dog just started, I wrote out a 5 year vision for the business. I wrote about the business growing to a point of running a board and train program, structured dog walking, daycare and training. It included working with 4 employees and having a 1.5 year old!

I started the business on my own doing structured walks with my Subaru while also offering private training sessions. My dog walking service grew to a point of taking in my first employee, Bella, who is still with us today 🥰. Once Bella was on board, I was able to working full time training dogs and running board and train programs from my home.

Once I moved to Ladysmith, I decided the next step would be to expand our structured dog walking service zone to Ladysmith and surrounding areas as well. I took over the Ladysmith walks, then once they were built up and we took on another employee, I was able to start working full time, running board and train programs and structured daycare and day training from my home.

Here were are, 5 years later!!! 🥳5️⃣ I can’t believe it! 🤩 While the business doesn’t have every aspect of my 5 year vision running right at this moment, at one time it has successfully offered and operated each service, every service I had hoped for. Which I am SO incredibly proud of.

I now have this amazing team, who are everything I could have asked for. Over the past few months Jenna, Emily and Bella as well as our lovely admin assistant Tani, and my bookkeeper, have held down the fort SO incredibly well, while I’ve been off on maternity leave with our two newest additions, Charlie & Jude 🩵🩵. It is such an overwhelmingly comforting feeling knowing I have people I can trust to put the same effort, attention and care into a business I have nurtured for the past 5 years.

I want to also say a HUGE thank you to all of my wonderful clients, friends and family. The Common Dog wouldn’t be where it is without you. Some of my clients have been with me from year 1, they have continued to trust me with their sweet pups, and trust my judgment with the growth and changes and new employees stepping in to take care of their pups. (Continued in Comments)

Seeking a walk that goes beyond just exercise? Look no further! Our Structured Walks prioritize tranquility, manners, an...
05/15/2024

Seeking a walk that goes beyond just exercise? Look no further!

Our Structured Walks prioritize tranquility, manners, and obedience for every dog. Your pup will join us as we explore the awesome trails of the Cowichan Valley.

Along the way, our pack fine-tunes leash etiquette, masters walking in a heel, and exhibits polite behavior around others. We also cover basic obedience training - covering sit stays, off-leash heel, and more.

Your pup will thank you! 🐕🐾


This isn’t the first or last time you’ll hear this reminder from me, it’s always worth repeating and resharing! It’s all...
05/03/2024

This isn’t the first or last time you’ll hear this reminder from me, it’s always worth repeating and resharing!

It’s all too frequent that avoidable negative interactions happen for the simple reason that someone doesn’t leash their dog. Even if you “know” your dog is harmless, you have no idea how another dog may react, no matter how friendly you think your dog is.

When you and your dog are in sync, your walks will be less stressful and ultimately your bond will be stronger! Have you...
03/27/2024

When you and your dog are in sync, your walks will be less stressful and ultimately your bond will be stronger! Have you struggled with the heel command? I hope these notes from a recent training session can help you pin-point the areas that need improvement.

If you read through this comprehensive post and feel more lost than found, please reach out - it’s amazing what you can accomplish with some tailored help from an experienced dog trainer!

🐾 Some fun group shots from the last little bit in our structured walks! 👉 For our walk zones we have  run by Jenna - th...
03/16/2024

🐾 Some fun group shots from the last little bit in our structured walks!

👉 For our walk zones we have run by Jenna - the north zone services Ladysmith to North Cowichan 📍 We also have Emily who runs which services Shawnigan to North Cowichan 👋

To learn more about our structured walks, head to www.thecommondog.ca/structured-dog-walking

Our Day Training & Structured Day Care programs have been off to a fantastic start! We’ve already seen amazing progress ...
03/09/2024

Our Day Training & Structured Day Care programs have been off to a fantastic start! We’ve already seen amazing progress and have had a lot of fun doing it - but not as much fun as the dogs!

While you’re working hard (or maybe taking a break for some fun yourself!), you can feel confident that your dog is not only in great hands, but also that the hard work you’ve done with them isn’t being undone!

What’s the difference between our Structured Day Care and Day Training Programs?

The main difference is that in our Day Training program we’ll be working with your dog on their customized training program towards specific objectives we’ve developed with you in 3, 15minute training sessions throughout each day and demonstrating or communicating the progress with you when you pick them up.

In both programs your dog will get to participate in a variety of activities, get time to relax, and have opportunities for appropriate social time with other dogs. Throughout the day dogs will also work on basic manners, sitting and waiting politely to come and go from crates, doorways and outdoor yards, recall, sit stays and more.

Reach out to see if either of these programs will be a great fit for you, your dog and your goals!

www.thecommondog.ca/structureddaycare-daytraining


Meet, Emily! 👋 Emily is one of The Common Dog's K9 handlers and walkers. She runs the South Service Zone for our Structu...
03/05/2024

Meet, Emily! 👋

Emily is one of The Common Dog's K9 handlers and walkers. She runs the South Service Zone for our Structured Dog Walking Service, covering Shawnigan to North Cowichan and runs our Walk and Train Program in that area. Emily is also teaching our new group class, Urban Skills and Obedience!

Emily joined The Common Dog Team in November of 2023!

Emily has a background in working as a dog walker, and she did some appreciate dog training and conducted her own private sessions with that same company. Emily also has experience working at veterinary clinics!
Emily has had difficult dogs in the past with behaviour issues. A dog she's learned from and who has inspired her to help other people with their own dogs.

Emily's current dog is Rune, pictured above, is a 8 month old Mastiff x.

Emily is an excellent addition our team! 🎇 We are so happy to have her! She is doing a fantastic job with the dogs during pack walks and walk and train sessions.

We're excited to watch Emily continue to learn and grow as a K9 handler and as part of our team!🎆

This post is long overdue. It's time for a proper introduction!Meet, Jenna! 👋Jenna is one of The Common Dog's K9 handler...
03/04/2024

This post is long overdue. It's time for a proper introduction!

Meet, Jenna! 👋

Jenna is one of The Common Dog's K9 handlers and walkers. She runs the North Service Zone for our Structured Dog Walking Service, covering Ladysmith to North Cowichan and she runs our Walk and Train Program in that area.

Jenna joined The Common Dog Team in November of 2023. We are so excited to have her!

Jenna's history with working with dogs and animals includes working at a veterinary hospital and training her personal dogs, from agility to separation anxiety and reactivity. Jenna has a wonderful family. When she was ready to start thinking about making some future career choices, she knew she wanted to be working with animals again.

Jenna's current dogs are Freddie, pictured above, a 3yr old, Border Collie x Blue Heeler and Gord, a 4yr old Saint Bernard.

Jenna is an excellent addition to our team! 🎇 She is doing a fantastic job maintaining training and introducing new techniques with all of our dogs.

We're excited to see Jenna continue to learn and grow as a K9 handler and as part of our team!🎆

Striving for a well-behaved pup, and a better relationship, but you have limited time to work on it? Our structured dayc...
02/26/2024

Striving for a well-behaved pup, and a better relationship, but you have limited time to work on it?

Our structured daycare and day training approach includes play, boundaries, and positive reinforcement to encourage progress in the right direction. These programs can be a better option than a traditional dog daycare & will keep things moving towards your personal goals for your dog, while you are at work!

We can help give you the tools and strategies needed to create a home filled with more fun, and a calm, cool and collected furry family member! 🐾

Visit www.thecommondog.ca/structureddaycare-daytraining for more info!

Upcoming Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class! 🐾This is a 4 week group class, which will kick off on Saturday, March 1...
02/26/2024

Upcoming Urban Skills and Obedience Group Class! 🐾

This is a 4 week group class, which will kick off on Saturday, March 16th at 1pm and will continue once weekly on the following dates:

Saturday, March 23rd at 1pm
Saturday, March 30th at 1pm
Saturday, April 6th at 1pm

In this group class setting, you will have the opportunity to:

✔️ Elevate your dog’s obedience skills.
✔️ Tune up obedience amidst urban distractions.
✔️ Group exercises to foster socialization and obedience.
✔️Confidence-building activities for a well-rounded pup.
✔️ Engaging games to make learning fun.
✔️ Urban agility challenges to navigate their environment with ease.

Join us for this unique group training experience tailored to urban living!

Head to https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses for more information & to register your spot!

Group Events and Classes! Join us on our Monthly Community Walk during the summer months.

02/13/2024

Appreciation post, brag post, and shout-out post for this awesome team! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Callie, Mia, and their owner started working with us last June. We started our intensive training program that consisted of two sessions a week, one as a one on one with the owner, and the second with just me to train the dogs the new skills. We introduce new behaviours, commands, and remote collar training to help work on Callie and Mia's overall listening and their reactivity to dogs. One of the pups had experienced a remote collar before, but with not much success. We reintroduced the tool in a subtle and conservative way to train both dogs that the remote collar paired with commands means to do and to communicate.

Fast forward until now, Mia and Callie's owner has been consistently putting in the time and work with their training as well as incorporating boundaries and rules into the dog's daily routine.

They can now successfully pass by dogs without barking and lunging, and they are even starting to offer engagement and focus with their owner as well! 👏🥳

"I never thought I'd ever be able to do this with them," sometimes Callie & Mia's owner said to me yesterday during our follow-up session! I absolutely live for those words. SO many owners feel the same way about their dogs, and they are embarrassed, frustrated, or confused about what to do or how to help. I am so pleased to be able to help dedicated owners like this, change their relationship with their dog, and bring on new confidence, freedom, and joy. 👏💕

Congrats to this awesome team!

We had an awesome first class of our newest 4 week group class, Urban Skills and Obedience, run by Emily!We are looking ...
02/03/2024

We had an awesome first class of our newest 4 week group class, Urban Skills and Obedience, run by Emily!

We are looking forward to next week! 🥳🥳

Our Urban Skills and Obedience group class will give owners the opportunity to tune up their dogs skills and obedience, using the other dogs in the class as well as different distractions we come across in an urban environment. Classes will consist of group exercises, confidence building, games, and urban agility.

If you missed out on this session, we will be posting dates for next class soon! Stay tuned.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses

Our first month of being officially back to Structured Daycare and Day Training is under wraps! 🥳🤩It's been an awesome m...
02/03/2024

Our first month of being officially back to Structured Daycare and Day Training is under wraps! 🥳🤩

It's been an awesome month with lots of new faces and familiar ones, too.

During the day, the dogs work on confidence building and mentally stimuting activities, go on a structured walk, and, of course, have free time and social time with the other attendees! When we have dogs booked for our Day Training portion, they keep busy with 3 - 20 minute training sessions working in specific skills and behaviours, as well as participating in the pack walk and the group socials!

It's been a lot of fun getting this program going again. We are excited to bring in some new faces and continue the structured fun!

If you're interested in our Structured Daycare or Day Training program, please visit our website for more info at https://www.thecommondog.ca/structureddaycare-daytraining

Or email us directly at [email protected].

Exciting news! 🥳✨️We have spaces available on our Structured Pack Walks!Our Structured Walks prioritize each dogs calm s...
01/22/2024

Exciting news! 🥳✨️

We have spaces available on our Structured Pack Walks!

Our Structured Walks prioritize each dogs calm state of mind, polite behaviour, manners, and obedience training.

We take our packs to busy, local trails around the Cowichan Valley. During the walk, the pack works on their leash manners, walking in a structured heel or close positon, polite behaviour passing other trail users, dogs, people, and bikes. We also work on their obedience training, sit stays, off leash heel, engagement, sit stay from a moving position and much more! 🐕🐕

✨️Spots Now Available:✨️

✨️South Service Zone:

Thursday AM: Duncan, Sahtlam Area.

Monday & Wednesday PM: Maple Bay.

Tuesday and Thursday PM: North Cowichan & Duncan.

✨️North Service Zone:

Monday & Wednesday AM: Ladysmith, Saltair, Chemainus.

Wednesday PM: Ladysmith, Saltair.

If you're interested in having your dog join in, please visit our website for more information https://www.thecommondog.ca/structured-dog-walking and fill out a contact form, or email us directly at [email protected].

We will ask you a few questions about your dog and their behaviour and schedule meet a greet to assess your pup further, as we do need a certain level of leash manners in order for dogs to join. If your dog needs a tune-up before pack walks, we can also help with that, with our Walk and Train Program! More info is on our website on our Structured Dog Walking Page as well!

We look forward to meeting your furry friend. 🐕


Another snow day! ❄️ Walks are cancelled today.Stay safe and warm.
01/17/2024

Another snow day! ❄️ Walks are cancelled today.

Stay safe and warm.

New Group Training Alert!Introducing: Urban Skills and Obedience 🐾In this group class setting, you will have the opportu...
01/15/2024

New Group Training Alert!

Introducing: Urban Skills and Obedience 🐾

In this group class setting, you will have the opportunity to:

✔️ Elevate your dog’s obedience skills.
✔️ Tune up obedience amidst urban distractions.
✔️ Group exercises to foster socialization and obedience.
✔️Confidence-building activities for a well-rounded pup.
✔️ Engaging games to make learning fun.
✔️ Urban agility challenges to navigate their environment with ease.

Join us for this unique group training experience tailored to urban living!

This class kicks off on Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm.

Head to www.thecommondog.ca/groupclasses for more information & to grab your spot!

Address

Ladysmith, BC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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